Position overview Position title: Cortez Lab: Research Specialist (Assistant Specialist rank) Salary range: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. The posted UCSC Salary Scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the scale titled, REPRESENTED SPECIALIST SERIES FISCAL YEAR. 'Off-scale salaries', i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions. A reasonable estimate for this position at 50% time is $28,300 - $39,620. A reasonable estimate for this position at 70% time is $31,300 - $44,100.
Percent time: Variable, 50% - 70% time, based on the availability of work.
Anticipated start: As soon as possible after the initial review of applications.
Position duration: Initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of reappointment. Should the hiring unit propose reappointment; a review to assess performance will be conducted. Reappointment is also contingent upon the availability of funding.
Application Window
Open date: May 25, 2023
Next review date: Monday, Jun 26, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Friday, May 24, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position Description
Assistant Professor Valerie Cortez in the Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a research specialist in the Cortez Lab. Under the direction of Assistant Professor Cortez, the research specialist will contribute to a research program focused on enteric viruses and gut immunity by assisting in laboratory operations and research.
Duties will include ordering supplies; maintaining instruments; supporting cell culture and mouse colony maintenance, as well as planning and performing experiments and interpreting data;.\ and managing a chemical inventory and biosafety records. The selected candidate will be expected to stay up-to-date with the scientific literature and contribute to manuscripts, presentations, and grant proposals as needed. The position will require the incumbent to employ excellent attention to detail and successfully work as a member of a diverse, interdisciplinary research team. The Cortez Lab is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment and supporting career development.
Applicants with any of the following areas of expertise are strongly encouraged to apply: experience with cell and/or organoid culture and virus propagation; experience with animal husbandry; and/or laboratory management.
The hiring unit will not sponsor employment-eligible immigration statuses for this position.
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
B.S. or B.A. degree (or equivalent foreign degree) in molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology, or a related field.
A minimum of two years of post-baccalaureate research experience using molecular and/or cellular biology techniques in a research or clinical laboratory. Techniques include: nucleic acid extraction and quantification, PCR/RT/PCR/qPCR, blot analysis, and cell culture.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter - Letter of application that briefly summarizes your qualifications and interest in the position.
Reference requirements
3-5 letters of reference required
Applications must include confidential letters of recommendation*. Note that your references, or dossier service, will submit their confidential letters directly to the UC Recruit System.
*All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. For any reference letter provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service, career center), direct the author to UCSCs confidentiality statement at http://apo.ucsc.edu/confstm.htm. Apply link:https://recruit.ucsc.edu/JPF01508
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees. Inquiries regarding the Universitys equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 or by phone at (831) 459-2686.
Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check (see https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify). The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz (see https://apo.ucsc.edu/policy/capm/102.530.html).
UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus.
If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at roberts@ucsc.edu (831) 459-4602.
UCSC is committed to addressing the spousal and partner employment needs of our candidates and employees. As part of this commitment, our institution is a member of the Northern California Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (NorCal HERC). Visit the NorCal HERC website at https://www.hercjobs.org/regions/higher-ed-careers-northern-california/ to search for open positions within a commutable distance of our institution.
As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs - With Updated Interim Amendments. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, Religious Objection, and/or Deferral based on pregnancy or recent COVID-19 diagnosis and/or treatment) no later than the applicable deadline. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of receiving the most recent CDC-recommended COVID-19 booster or properly decline such booster no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Exhibit 2, Section II.C. of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Attachment for applicable deadlines. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of being Up-To-Date on seasonal influenza vaccination or properly decline such vaccination no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program Attachment. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements. Additional information and resources for compliance are located on the campus Health Center site
UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the intimacy of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university.